Srinagar, Apr 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday said that the policy of isolation and ignorance in the Northeast had been replaced with a policy of integration.
In an exclusive interview with The Assam Tribune, the PM hailed the transformation of the North East region from neglect to abundance under his leadership.
He expressed confidence in the region’s youth, affirming their pivotal role in driving overall development.
PM Modi delved into key regional issues, including discussions on Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Myanmar, and China relations.
He addressed pressing concerns pertinent to the Northeast region with a focus on safeguarding territorial integrity and promoting ethnic harmony.
CONCERNS ON ARUNACHAL PRADESH, DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHEAST, ETHNIC HARMONY IN MANIPUR
In response to concerns over China’s claims on parts of Arunachal Pradesh, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to the State’s integrity.
“I don’t understand why The Assam Tribune should have any doubt about this. Arunachal Pradesh is, was, and shall always be an integral part of Bharat,” he said.
Speaking on the developmental strides in Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast region, the PM highlighted significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving living standards.
“Today, the development works are reaching Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast like the first rays of the sun, faster than ever before,” he said, citing the inauguration of key projects like Sela Tunnel and Donyi Polo Airport.
Addressing concerns about the situation in Manipur and steps to ensure ethnic harmony, PM Modi emphasised the government’s collective responsibility to resolve conflicts sensitively.
“We believe that it is our collective responsibility to deal with the situation sensitively,” he said, acknowledging efforts made by both the Government of India and Manipur towards conflict resolution.
Highlighting the government’s support, the PM referenced Home Minister Amit Shah’s direct involvement and extensive stakeholder engagements during the peak of the conflict in Manipur.
“Home Minister Amit Shah stayed in Manipur while the conflict was at its peak, holding 15-plus meetings with various stakeholders to help resolve the conflict. The Centre has been consistently extending its support, as required by the State government. The process of relief and rehabilitation is ongoing. Remedial measures undertaken include a financial package for the relief and rehabilitation of people living in shelter camps in the state,” he said.
FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT WITH NSCN (IM)
In response to a query about the status of the framework agreement with the insurgent group, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN (IM) signed in 2015, PM Modi provided insights into the ongoing peace process.
“As a result of initiatives taken by our government, a Framework Agreement was signed with the NSCN and Isak Muivah Group of Nagaland on August 3, 2015, for a permanent solution to decades-old Naga political problems,” he said.
The PM emphasised that while the agreement lays down broad principles, discussions were underway between the official representative of the Government of India and NSCN (IM) to finalise the peace talks.
“The Centre is making all possible efforts to successfully conclude the peace talks with Naga groups at the earliest,” he said.
On Myanmar Influx into Mizoram
Addressing concerns over the influx of Myanmar nationals into Mizoram, PM Modi outlined steps taken by the Centre to address the issue.
“This influx of Myanmar nationals into India is largely due to the internal developments in Myanmar,” he said.
The PM highlighted efforts to engage with Myanmar authorities on the matter and outlined measures like scrapping the Free Movement Regime between India and Myanmar and increasing border security deployment.
Additionally, he emphasised close coordination among various security agencies and the commencement of fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Regarding Mizoram’s role, PM Modi disclosed that the State government had been urged to capture biometric data of illegal migrants, with the Indian government providing necessary assistance for the initiative.
“We are bringing about policy changes to adjust to the changing realities on the ground,” he said expressing a desire for peace and stability to return to Myanmar to facilitate the peaceful repatriation of displaced individuals.
Providing a snapshot of progress, the PM said, “A total of 11 peace agreements have been signed in the last 10 years.”
He emphasised the unprecedented nature of this achievement and said, “9500 insurgents have surrendered since 2014 and joined the mainstream of society.”
Security Situation
Highlighting the significant improvement in the security situation, PM Modi said, “Compared to 2014, there has been a 71 percent reduction in insurgency incidents in 2023.”
He said that there was a reduction in security force casualties by 60 percent and civilian deaths by 82 percent during the same period.
The PM also highlighted the milestones in conflict resolution.
“The AFSPA has been withdrawn from most parts of the Northeast,” he said, signalling a positive step towards restoring normalcy.
PM Modi said successful negotiations regarding Border Dispute Settlement Agreements between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and the resolution of disputes between Assam and Meghalaya were significant achievements.
He credited peace agreements like the Bodo Accord and the Bru-Reang Agreement for facilitating the surrender of insurgents and militants and contributing to regional stability.
The PM also emphasised efforts to accelerate development through strengthening autonomous councils and implementing schemes aimed at rehabilitating insurgents and promoting their integration into mainstream society.
“All the efforts we have made have ushered in an era of peace in the region,” he said.
PM Modi stressed the government’s commitment to addressing insurgency while fostering peace, development, and reconciliation in the Northeast.
Communication Bottlenecks in North East
Addressing the issue of communication bottlenecks in the Northeast region, he outlined the government’s strategic vision and concerted efforts to overcome the challenges.
“Given the Northeast’s strategic location, our vision is that the region should be developed as a base for India’s growing economic links while also ensuring that the aspirations of the people are fulfilled,” the PM said, emphasising the dual focus on economic growth and inclusive development.
Highlighting the progress made in infrastructure connectivity, he noted significant improvements across various modes of transportation.
“Today, the Northeast is seeing improved infrastructure connectivity, whether it is roadways or railways, airways or waterways,” PM Modi said, underscoring the government’s commitment to extending connectivity even to the remotest corners of the region.
Giving examples of transformation, he said milestones like the expansion of rail services to previously unconnected areas and the establishment of new transportation hubs were celebrated.
“Meghalaya came on India’s rail network after 67 years of Independence. Nagaland now got its second railway station after 100 years,” the PM said.
International Internet Gateway in Agartala
He emphasised advancements in digital connectivity, citing the establishment of 5G networks and improved mobile coverage in rural areas.
PM Modi highlighted the inauguration of an International Internet Gateway in Agartala as a significant milestone, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure.
Act East Policy
He reiterated the Northeast’s importance in the government’s Act East Policy, emphasising initiatives aimed at strengthening regional connectivity with South East Asia.
“The Northeast’s development is also integral to our Act East Policy,” the PM said, highlighting major projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project.
He reiterated his commitment to the holistic development of the Northeast, viewing it as a crucial component of the broader vision for a prosperous and developed India.
“I firmly believe that the path to Viksit Bharat runs through the development of our Ashtalakshmi states of the Northeast,” PM Modi said, expressing confidence in the region’s potential to drive national progress.
Challenges faced in the region
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the region, he highlighted the historical marginalisation endured by the Northeast after independence.
“Successive Congress governments gave step-motherly treatment to the people of the Northeast,” the PM said, citing the region’s perceived distance and electoral insignificance as reasons for neglect.
Underscoring his commitment to change, he outlined a transformative approach focused on integration and development.
“When we formed the government, it was my firm commitment to change the status quo in the Northeast. We replaced the policy of isolation and ignorance with a policy of integration,” he said.
Asserting the tangible progress made under his tenure, PM Modi emphasised the significant increase in investments towards the region’s development.
“In the last five years, the investments we made towards the development of the region are nearly four times more than the funds allocated by the Congress government or any other previous government in the past,” he said.
Expressing faith in the youth of the Northeast, the PM emphasised their potential across various sectors.
“I have trust in the Yuva Shakti of Northeast, their talent, their skill, and their energy,” he said.
PM Modi cited initiatives in education, sports, entrepreneurship, and agriculture as avenues for youth empowerment and economic prosperity.
Celebrating the Northeast’s emergence as a beacon of progress, he said, “Today, the Northeast is leading from the front in all sectors, signifying the region’s newfound prominence on the national stage.”